Hi Everyone!! Was wondering if anyone who's been in the same position as me would have any useful advice. I've been on the night shift (7p-8a) for a little over 2 years now (since Sept '08)..this was my first job as a nurse. I'm on a heavy orthopedic/medical/neuro floor that is busy most shifts, even at night. Openings have come up on the day shift a few times since I started, but I always turned it down- although I never intended to do nights in the first place, I have a great group of co workers, we are close like family, and besides for the usual bs that comes along with nursing in general, Ive been pretty comfortable and happy. For some reason though, lately, the night shift has been taking a toll, more than usual. I'm not sleeping well, getting irritable, and feeling stressed. On top of that, I'm getting married in June and my finace would like nothing more for me than to be on a "normal" schedule, for myself and for our relationship. A day position opened again recently, and it seemed to be good timing for a needed change. So I asked my manager to do a "trial" on the day shift for a month, on the premise that if I am unhappy, I can go back to my night shift position. She (hesitantly) has agreed. I'm feeling a lot of anxiety about the transition- although I keep reminding myself it's not a "new" job, I'm nervous about the changes (different pace, more management, families, etc) and very, very sad to let go of the things I love about my night shift. But I think I have to do it..I know night shift and the way I sleep isn't the healthiest for me, and I do need a change. So I was wondering if anyone's been in the same spot as me and if there's any advice anyone can offer to help ease the transition. If all goes through, I would start Dec. 26th.. Thanks so much for listening.
